Cloud Security and Systems Architect

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly skilled Cloud Security and Systems Architect to join our team in a part-time, fully remote capacity. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in AWS services and security, strong experience with Azure, and hands-on knowledge of hybrid cloud architectures. This individual will play a key role in designing, securing, and optimizing our cloud environments, which span multiple AWS accounts and Azure tenants, while enabling federation and integration with enterprise identity systems.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced architect with a flexible schedule who thrives in a security-driven, infrastructure-as-code (IaC)-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect and secure cloud solutions across AWS and Azure environments to meet organizational and compliance requirements.
• Manage and optimize multiple AWS accounts within the organization.
• Design and implement hybrid cloud architectures integrating on-premises infrastructure with public cloud environments.
• Lead the development and enforcement of cloud security policies, standards, and governance processes.
• Architect and manage AWS IAM policies, roles, trust relationships, and integrate with Azure AD federation.
• Develop and maintain Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools such as Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar.
• Develop and maintain Python and Bash scripts to automate cloud operations and security tasks.
• Conduct security reviews, threat modeling, and risk assessments of cloud solutions.
• Provide subject matter expertise and guidance on cloud identity and access management, including Azure AD federation with AWS.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support secure software deployment pipelines and cloud-native services.
• Stay current on cloud security best practices, emerging technologies, and evolving threat landscapes.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in cloud security and architecture
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field. Years of experience may be substituted for degree.
• CISSP certification
• AWS Certifications (Associate and/or Professional level) (required).
• Expert-level experience with AWS services, architecture, and security best practices.
• Strong experience with Microsoft Azure and hybrid cloud deployments.
• Extensive knowledge and practical experience with:
  • AWS IAM architecture, policies, roles, and advanced federation scenarios.
  • Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) and Azure AD federation with AWS.
• Experience managing and securing multiple AWS accounts within a single AWS Organization.
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) experience using Terraform, CloudFormation, or similar tools.
• Proficient in Python and Bash scripting for automation.
• Experience with hybrid cloud environments (AWS + Azure + on-premises).
• Proven track record of architecting secure, scalable, and highly available cloud solutions.
• Familiarity with industry security standards such as NIST 800-53, CMMC, ISO 27001, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating cloud security with CI/CD pipelines.
• Familiarity with SIEM solutions and security monitoring in cloud environments.
• Experience working in a government contracting or regulated environment.
• Familiarity with AWS Control Tower, AWS Organizations, and service control policies (SCPs).

Pay range, DOE: $38.13 - $90 hourly

Analytical Mechanics Associates (AMA) is proud of our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. AMA is a small business with a wide reach; headquartered in Hampton, VA, AMA has operations in Greenbelt, MD; Huntsville, AL; Dallas and Houston, TX; Denver, CO; Mountain View, CA; and Edwards Air Force Base, CA. With over 60 years of experience, AMA specializes in aerospace engineering, science, analytics, information technology, and visualization solutions. AMA combines the best of engineering, science, and mathematics capabilities with the latest in information technologies, visualization, and multimedia to build creative solutions. We offer competitive salaries and a substantial benefits package, including but not limited to paid personal and federally recognized holiday leave, salary deferrals into a 401(k)-matching plan with immediate vesting, tuition reimbursement, short/long term disability plans, and a variety of medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

AMA is committed to the professional growth of every employee, understanding that the successes of our employees drive our success. We provide a work environment that is engaging, collaborative, and supportive. To learn more about our company, please visit our website at www.ama-inc.com/careers and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

AMA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant for employment or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited under federal, state, or local laws.